Amario Cozier-Duberry’s fine strike was enough for Bolton to win 1-0 in the first leg against Bradford in the League One semi final.
The 20-year-old, on loan from Brighton, scored in the second half at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
It means the Trotters take a significant advantage at Valley Parade.
Cozier-Duberry ends feud on Toughsheet
As with all the play-off games we’ve seen so far, tension dominated much of this first leg.
No shots were on target in the first half and Billy Sharp remains unsatisfied Sky Sports the studio.
“No one wanted to take the game too seriously,” the EFL legend said at half-time.
But the neck scruff was good and really taken at the hour mark. Cozier-Duberry, often Bolton’s spark, picked up Ibrahim Cissoko’s cross before cutting to his left and curling into the far corner.
Minutes later it should have been the Arsenal youngster’s second. He raced towards the post after winning the header but his effort hit the inside of the post before hitting the target.
It could have been a crucial moment this time but, with just one goal separating them, it was all to play for in the second leg.
Schumacher: It was a great finish
Bolton manager Steven Schumacher to Sky Sports Football:
“Amario has produced moments of magic like that for us all season.
“We said to him that going into the break, he goes in a lot, we asked him to be patient and we will find the ball in dangerous areas.
“The ball fell to him by luck, but it was a good finish.
“We are happy [with the result]. It was a tough game as we expected, really competitive.
“We knew how important it was to try to put ourselves in the top because we know how difficult it is to go to Valley Parade.”
Alexander feels confident about the second leg despite the defeat
Bradford manager Graham Alexander to Sky Sports Football:
“It was a tough game for us considering we went from home to a much stronger Bolton team.
“They were conceded one goal on goal tonight, although it was obviously very good! That’s what separated the teams.
“No matter how it went tonight it was going to be a break. We’ve been behind a lot this season and we’ve come back to win or draw, so that’s the situation we’ve been in before.
“I don’t have to remind the players about that, I can keep quiet because there are many knowledgeable people in that locker room and they all say the right things about each other.
“It’s going to be a tough game at Valley Parade, but it’s one we feel confident about.”
